Planting a Forest

  [338 words] He’s known as the “Forest Man of India.” Over the last 70 years, the Brahmaputra River has eroded over half of the world’s largest river island of Majuli in Assam, India. The mighty river has also claimed over 35 villages. Nearly 40 years ago, Jadav Payeng, then 16, in an effort to counter the powerful erosive effects of the river and save what was left of the island, began daily planting saplings in the barren soil of the place he calls home. Day after day, month after month, and year after year, Jadav planted one tree at a time. Now, almost four decades later, a thick forest larger than New York’s Central Park has taken over the once stark terrain.  What does it take to grow a forest? Desire, motivation, commitment, action, persistence, time, patience, nurture, and vision. What does it take to grow the Lord’s church?…